After, you shall hear
more.'
Like an obedient slave, Gaudiosus sped on his errand. Basil the
while stood gazing at Veranilda; but he did not go very near to her,
and his look had nothing of tenderness. He saw the priest return,
followed by two men, heard him whisper to them, saw them take up and
carry away their master's corpse; all this as if it did not regard
him. Again he turned his gaze upon Veranilda. It seemed to him that
her lips, her eyelids moved. He bent forward, heard a sigh. Then the
blue eyes opened, but as yet saw nothing.
Gaudiosus reappeared, and Basil beckoned him.
'You do not know her?' he asked in a low voice.
'I never looked upon her face till now,' was the reply.
At the sound of their voices Veranilda stirred, tried to rouse
herself, uttered a sound of distress.
'Speak to her,' said Basil.
Gaudiosus approached the couch, and spoke soothing words.
'What dreadful thought is this?' said Veranilda. 'What have I seen?'
The priest whispered an adjuration to prayer. But she, raising her
head, cast terrified glances about the hall.
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